EVD prevention and medical care in Sierra Leone ... practices related to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in ... those already infected and affected by the epidemic.
Study on Public knowledge, attitudes, and Practices related to EVD prevention and medical care in Sierra Leone Field Work Conducted: 20th - 25th August
Objectives
Comprehensive knowledge on EVD is low
- Examine the public’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Sierra Leone - Identify barriers hindering the containment of EVD - Use the study to inform evidence-based strategies in preventing the transmission of EVD and caring for those already infected and affected by the epidemic
Has comprehensive knowledge
39%
Rejects three misconceptions
50%
Accepts three main means of prevention
79% 0%
20% 40% 60% 80%
Methodology Administered a household survey to a random sample of 1413 people in Sierra Leone: West Area: Rural and Urban East: Kenema and Kailahun North: Kambia, Port Loko, and Koinadugu South: Moyama and Bo Conducted in-depth interview and focus groups with traditional/religious leaders, health workers and teachers, local councils, law enforcement personnel
Key Findings High level of awareness and low denial 100% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%
Positive attitudes towards EVD prevention - 87% agree with statement that one should “avoid contact with blood and body fluids” 85% agree with statement that one can “protect oneself by avoiding funeral or burial rituals that require handling the body of someone who died of EVD” 91% agree with statement that a “person with Ebola has higher chance of survival if he/she goes immediately to a health facility”
There are serious misconceptions • Almost a third of population thinks one can get
97% 76%
Ebola from Mosquitoes (30%) • 30% also believes Ebola is airborne • 20% believe Ebola can be treated successfully by Spiritual Healers (in Western Area – urban & rural this misconception is especially high).
Aware of Believe it Heard of a Ebola exists in SL survivor
• 42% believe that bathing with salt and hot water can prevent Ebola.
Nearly everyone is reporting some behavior change (95%)
Risk perceptions are mixed and polarized
No response Not sure Great risk Moderate risk Small risk No Risk
1% 5%
34% 10% 14% 36%
Wash hands with soap and water Clean hands with other disinfectants
37%
Avoid physical contact with people I suspect…
36%
Radio by far the preferred means for receiving information about Ebola
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 85%
Radio House visits by health… Television Religious venues Megaphone announcements Mobile phone/ Text messages Community meetings Newspaper/ flyers/ Brochures/…
66%
28% 21% 18% 13% 10% 10% 9%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%100%
Health professionals and Government/MOHS are the most trusted source of information
Very high level of stigma and discrimination towards Ebola victims • 96% report some discriminatory attitude towards people with suspected or having (had) Ebola. • 76% would not welcome someone back into their community after a neighbor recovered from Ebola. • 32% believe that a school pupil fully recovered from Ebola will put other pupils in their class at risk of Ebola infection. • 9% would keep the information secret if a family member contracts Ebola.
Recommendations 60%
Health / medical… 48%
Government/ MoHS 36%
The Media Religious leaders…
8%
Relatives and Friends
8%
Traditional leaders
0.3%
0.0%
20.0% 40.0% 60.0%
• Address misconceptions about the disease • Clearly spell out modes of transmission in local lang. • Develop clear messages on protective practices • Develop special messages around community acceptance of Ebola affected persons and families • Radio, Radio, Radio – must be maximally used • Inter-personal engagement at grassroots level • Effective use of television to tell Survivor Stories • Strategic engagement with churches and mosques • Information should come from health professionals and MoHS because they are the most trusted source
